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impurity
noun
im·pu·ri·ty
(ˌ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ə-tē
plural impurities
1
: something that is impure or makes something else impure
removing impurities from water
2
: the quality or state of being impure
Synonyms
Examples of impurity in a Sentence
the impurity of the water
The syrup is strained to remove impurities.
The water is free of impurities.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nitrosamine impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels over long periods of time, according to the FDA.
—Chris Sims, The Courier-Journal, 24 Oct. 2024
The charcoal formula is said to have detoxifying properties that help draw out any impurities clogging the hair follicle that cause buildup on the scalp and lead to itchiness.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2024
Even a tiny impurity, like one that is less than 50 parts per billion, can ruin the final products, according to the News & Observer.
—Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik, Quartz, 30 Sep. 2024
In addition to the energy expense of post-combustion technology, the chemical mixture used to capture CO2 picks up impurities and starts to lose effectiveness over time, and its periodic replacement is expensive.
—Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for impurity
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Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of impurity was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near impurity
Cite this Entry
“Impurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impurity. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
impurity
noun
im·pu·ri·ty
(ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē
plural impurities
1
: the quality or state of being impure
2
: something that is impure or that makes impure
remove impurities from water
Medical Definition
impurity
noun
im·pu·ri·ty
(ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē
plural impurities
: something that is impure or makes something else impure
More from Merriam-Webster on impurity
Nglish: Translation of impurity for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of impurity for Arabic Speakers
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